The Orpheus Legend

According to Greek Legend, the minstrel Orpheus produced music so compellingly beautiful that wild beasts would follow him, the most savage of men would be calmed and entire mountains would move - enraptured by his magical harmonies.

Orpheus' great love and partner was the nymph Eurydice. Tragically, she was killed by snake bite and taken to Hades. Grief stricken, Orpheus travelled to the underworld to plead with Pluto for her release. The plea was granted, on the condition that Orpheus should not look back at his wife until they had reached the safety of the earth.

Unfortunately, anxious to ensure his wife's safety, Orpheus was unable to resist the temptation, and Eurydice returned to Hades forever.